A MOTHER of two, whose young son has been hospitalised with bad asthma attacks, wants volunteers to help raise awareness of the condition.

Eilir Ann Daniels’ son Dyfan, six, has been admitted to hospital on many occasions due to the severity of the attacks.

She hopes holding talks around schools in Gwynedd will offer support for asthma sufferers, their friends, family and teaching staff, and stop the complacency some people express regarding the illness.

Eilir, from Criccieth, said: “Asthma is such a common illness that some people ignore it exists. It’s important that sufferers take their medication regularly, and that others around them are aware of what is potentially a lethal illness.

“I’m a local volunteer coordinator for the Alex Curtis Memorial Trust, which is a charity set up following the death of a teenager from asthma a couple of years ago.

“Alex was just 17 years old when he died, and the Trust’s aims include underlying the importance amongst secondary school children with asthma of taking their medication regularly, and giving advice on how to help someone deal with an attack, and how to cope with the situation.

“This is a subject especially close to my heart as I've had a few traumatic experiences with my son Dyfan, and I'm painfully aware that getting the right treatment in time means the difference between life and death.”

Three secondary schools in Gwynedd have already shown an interest in taking part in Eilir’s project, which is the first in Wales, and now she needs volunteers to help her fulfil her plans.

“We hope to educate people by presenting a series of talks in secondary schools, however we are desperate for volunteers who could help us deliver this project.

“We are looking for people, preferably those who have had experience of asthma (whether it be themselves, members of their family, or friends), who can relate to the subject, and who can deliver a short presentation to a small class of children. All information will be provided, and training will be given by the Alex Curtis Memorial Trust.

“I became involved with the charity after meeting Peter, Alex Curtis’ father, and founder of the trust, and it is their heartfelt plea that no other family suffers the trauma theirs did.

“We believe this project can help save lives, but we just need volunteer speakers.”

To offer your services, or find out more, call Eilir on 01766 522578 or email eilir.daniels@btinternet.com.